mikeymad

Oh yeah the analog section. I am a Linn-head so it is hard not to go with the 40th anniversary (yeah it was 10 years ago), Linn Sondek LP12. But it came with an Highland Park 40yo - and the Plinth was made from HP cask staves Fully loaded with the upgrade bits and the Ekos Arm and Ekstatik cart: That would give me the Linn sound that I like, but to dig a bit deeper I would like to try the - Wilson-Benesch GMT One Turntable: Built around this piece of engineering art: I agree with you Steve on the LYRA Atlas SL Lambda - I heard the younger sibling of this, in a whisky friend's rig, and I was sold on the sound. And the mono version for mono reason (same pic.. ) For more swapping I have always liked the Grado sound as well -- so Grado Epoch3 And Mono of course - picture not included (yeah it looks the same). I would have to do a lot more research into the phono pre. But I would probably start out with something like the MANLEY STEELHEAD RC: Multi inputs - multi gain - multi load - tubes.. neet! ... and I agree with people that this is a bit of a farce. I am not going to own anything here. But I have also spent time with super high end systems and they are a wonderful experience. This is a hobby for me, listening that is, and with any hobby, you spend time, effort and money on them. A lot of chasing high end would be lost on me at this point in my life, unfortunately. My tinnitus has gotten really bad in the last year and a half. I have had a mild version of it since I was a late teen and I damaged my hearing making homemade horn loaded speakers that I put in my car! I still have really good listening skills and can pick out the minutest of details, I just have to turn things up a bit louder to get over my internal noise floor. Oh, and an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman: For one - thank you very much - there is only one listening position. - Ever.

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish (2024) https://album.link/i/1739659134 Example: Just one listen so far. It is on the lighter side of her work. More like the Barbie track than Bad Guy stuff. I will have to listen again and see what is in the lyrics. Production is top notch, which I expect these days.

Mo AI

Cheers Chris - Wishing you a great day - Happy Birthday -

Not your kids EDM concert - Jean-Michel kicking it hard at 75.... 1. The Opening 2. Epica Oxygene 3. Suite for Flute / Oxygene Pt.2 4. Web Spinner 5. Equinoxe Pt.4 6. Equinoxe Pt.7 7. Falling Down 8. Industrial Revolution Pt.2 9. The Architect 10. Zero Gravity 11. Rendez Vous Pt.2 feat. Brian May 12. New World Symphony Bratislava 2024 13. Last Horizon / Brighton Rock 14. Azimuth 15. Exit feat. Edward Snowden 16. Herbalizer 17. Oxygene Pt.19 (Notre-Dame Rework) 18. Glory 19. Rendez Vous Pt.4 20. Stardust 21. Bratislava Time feat. Brian May

Finally finished the 29 episodes of TrainWreckords from 'Todd in the Shadows' channel. Playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLznZMqdhi_RVHtZYrMeoi3Fjg9VNhPAX&si=BFEmjpgrfLGZXQmX This Faith Hill episode is a good example:

oh the reasons... Straight To The Heart by David Sanborn (1984) https://album.link/i/81897219 Example: His work with Marcus Miller in the day was top notch. Did a lot of it getting written off as Soundtrack music,... sure. I think soundtracks are awesome.. RIP David.

Dang - David was my player in the 80s and early 90s. I literally had all of these on vinyl except the early '74 taking off. Thanks David - RIP

The Chronic by Dr. Dre (1992) https://album.link/i/1668460963 Example: Just the intro alone is better than anything from the Kendrick/Drake beef. And then you throw in 'The Day The Niggaz Took Over', and 'Nuthin' But A "G" Thang'.

^^ this (dang - two albums on May 10th?)

Marathoned the first two seasons after many years of being away. Still some of the best writing.

^^ reference recording for a reason... Mo Sax! The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow by Charles Lloyd (2024) https://album.link/i/1724096581 Example: Such a pretty album, hard to pick an example - this is the opening track. Another new Blue Note release of note. Full hour and a half of Charles and crew goodness.

∏+∝+π+π+ʎ ∈ ß+ɩ+ʃ+τ+ɧ+∆+ɑ+ψ Cheers Shelly I hope you have a great day. (sorry the equation does not balance)

oh they made the reverse as well.

Catching up on Melissa's last two albums - On Blue Note Now (yay) 12 Stars by Melissa Aldana (2022) https://album.link/i/1599823297 Example: I really like her style, it is rooted in the moden style with lots of improvisation. and Echoes Of The Inner Prophet by Melissa Aldana (2024 -- Just on Sunday the 5th) https://album.link/i/1727103842 Example: A deeper exploration. I found the overall sound quieter, that being, more moments to let notes breath. Also not in a rush. I really enjoyed this new album.

One last update. Finally got the group photo back from the photographer. Thought I would share. Cheers - mikey

I still go back and watch this scene from time to time. The way Edge immediately gets up and moves to see Jimmy's hands, Giving no Fucks about blocking the camera and the crew. And Jack has to put his guitar down and give that oh so loving look... good stuff. I do wish that they just played together more, and just did a lot more of ^^ this. The movie could work in a much longer format. But this was before the Netflix mini docs. Thanks for the reminder.

Just listening to the great Marty

The Carnegie Hall Concert by Alice Coltrane (2024) (recorded - Feb. 23, 1971) https://album.link/i/1727474137 Example: This has been on the top of my queue since it was released in March. After the tribute above, I took the time to give this as good listen. I was interested in the story of this as well, not being released until now. But with -- Three percussionists (Ed Blackwell, Clifford Jarvis, Kumar Kramer), two saxophonists (Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp), two bassists (Jimmy Garrison, Cecil McBee), a vocalist (Tulsi Reynolds) and one bandleader, harpist Alice Coltrane. How can I not listen? The example is one of the 4 tracks of the 1 hour 20 minute recording. It is the most melodic compared to the higher level of entropy of the other three tracks. It is on the edge of my musical taste, and knowledge, but I really liked it. I will spend some time with it again to dig a little deeper as to what is going on.

Have 'Twangy' Guitar Will Travel by Duane Eddy (1958) https://album.link/i/217699746 << - is this site defunct? - I have been noticing a lot of omissions. But then again I am mostly pretty far away from mainstream music. But I assume it is just a pile of API's collecting info. Anyway... Example: Long live twangy guitars....

And on the other end of the quality scale:: So, I wrote a prompt to AI: I need a comparative sarcastic review of The Carpenters - Space Encounters 1978 and the Star Wars Christmas Special. (( It got it mostly right. I didn't feel as awful after this as I did the SW special - At least there is Karen's singing )) -- The Force Awakens...of Cheesy Holiday Cheer: A Comparative Review of Space Oddities Buckle up, space cadets, for a clash of the titans...well, maybe not titans, but two contenders for the most bizarre holiday space experience. In one corner, we have Karen and Richard Carpenter, armed with synthesizers and questionable fashion choices, blasting off on Space Encounters of 1978. In the other corner, it's the ragtag crew of the Millennium Falcon forced to endure a nonsensical holiday variety show in the Star Wars Holiday Special. Let's see who wins this battle of the bewildering. Musical Merit: Space Encounters: Karen's voice soars like a spaceship on helium, while Richard tinkles on his synthesizer like a toddler discovering a Casio for the first time. The result? Earworms that burrow into your brain and refuse to leave, but undeniably catchy earworms. Star Wars Holiday Special: Let it be known: the galaxy far, far away has some truly dreadful musicians. Imagine elevator music trapped in a broken blender. This is where musical careers go to die. Special Effects: Space Encounters: Prepare to be dazzled by…a shimmering disco ball and some flashing lights. Hold onto your metaphorical spacesuits, folks, it's a wild ride. Star Wars Holiday Special: A low-budget fever dream. Lumpy creatures cavort around in what appears to be a forgotten corner of Mos Eisley cantina. Just be thankful they don't try to sell you those itchy-looking bathrobes. Plot Development: Space Encounters: Essentially non-existent. We just kind of…float around in space with the Carpenters, pondering the mysteries of the universe (and possibly regretting our life choices). Star Wars Holiday Special: Chewbacca's family celebrates Life Day, a bizarre intergalactic holiday involving singing vegetables, a barely coherent Boba Fett cartoon, and a bar brawl almost as confusing as the plot. May the Force help you understand any of it. Redeeming Qualities: Space Encounters: So bad it's good. A campy classic that will have you laughing (or groaning) along. Perfect for those nights when you need a good dose of the absurd. Star Wars Holiday Special: Uh…well, it's a collector's item for die-hard Star Wars fans? And a cautionary tale for future holiday specials, perhaps? The Verdict: This is a close call. Space Encounters offers more entertainment value with its sheer awfulness, but the Star Wars Holiday Special wins for pure nonsensical weirdness. Ultimately, the choice depends on your tolerance for cheese and your love for the bizarre. Just remember, there's always the fast-forward button.

War Of Being by TesseracT (2023) https://album.link/i/1693539775 Example: Okay - caught up on studio albums. And this is by far my favorite. They are fully gelled with current singer Daniel Tompkins now. Hitting hard riffs and great transitions. And if you can surprise me with what is coming next, that is a good thing. (but then again there is Sonder - more listening needed)

I have not - but I am sure I have tasted it... way too sure...

Listen Without Prejudice by George Michael (1990) https://album.link/i/1625866382 Example: Starting with the incredible opening track of - Praying for Time. Which became very poignant, but then drops into the killer Freedom! '90. I can't help but move with this one, with George putting down the bass track for it. The rest of the album is full of great writing and highlights George's voice. But also surprisingly mellow comparatively. I am not sure I listened to the album other than when it dropped. I was over a college buddy of mine's place, and he put it on. While he took like 4 phone calls, I listened away. (and he has the reverse of my first and middle names)